A few of the acts featured in this month's "Must-Hear Milwaukee Music" are coming into April with some really respectable endorsements.

Wavie Boi D and H1 Da Hook — who perform together as HD, and are members of hip-hop and R&B collective the Wavie Gang — have toured with Wyclef Jean and appeared on his "Carnival III" album last year.

Local producer Thane's latest single was released by respected French electronic music label Kitsune. And Dead Horses was named one of "10 New Country Artists You Need to Know" by Rolling Stone in February.

These are my six favorite new releases from Milwaukee-area artists that either came out in March or are set to drop in the next few weeks.

1. Dead Horses, "My Mother The Moon": Sarah Vos expands her scope on Dead Horses' third full-length album. "American Poor" is informed by the great economic divide that's at the core of our turbulent sociopolitical climate, but through the prism of lyrics that reward new revelations with repeat listens. Musically, Dead Horses has evolved as well; the title track swells from its sparse, acoustic origins to a sweeping, piano-driven finish; and a sumptuous string section on "Ain't No Difference" brings the album to a radiant close. But the sense of intimacy that makes Vos such a striking songwriter is still intact on "Mother." She candidly contemplates if she's making the most of her life on "My Many Days;" and reminds us "how quickly we forget the beauty that surrounds us" on the beautiful "Swinger in the Trees." Dead Horses has a release show at the Back Room at Colectivo Coffee April 5.

2. Jay Yung, "CLVRITY": "CLVRITY" is the debut mixtape for Jay Yung, with the rapper producing about three-fourths of the soulful tracks himself. But it truly feels like a lifetime's work, the way Jay Yung repeatedly, and candidly, looks at his personal failings, taking an important first step toward becoming a better person — and a powerful artist.

3. Slow Walker, "Ah Yes": With the lurching, sludgy metal guitar riffs that open the album, stoner rock band Slow Walker seems to aspire to live up to its name. But it doesn't take long for the tempo to kick in, and for the band to kick butt. "Gonna ride 'til the wheels come off," the band chants on "Ride"; strap in and enjoy the thrills and spills. Slow Walker plays an "Ah Yes" release show March 30 at Cactus Club.

4. Thane, "Sink": Thane's aesthetic — drawing techniques and texture from jazz and classical music — is lush, sophisticated, and unpredictable. Which is how a little known, hip-hop-leaning electronic producer from Milwaukee managed to line up noted names like Anderson .Paak, BJ the Chicago Kid and Mick Jenkins for his debut album "Topia." Thane's latest production complements Milwaukee rapper WebsterX's command, creating a compact cinematic treat that fades out before the song hits the three-minute mark, just when you're starting to get excited for what Thane will throw at you next.

5. Vinyl Theatre, "Feel It All": The Milwaukee alternative-rock trio has parted from its label Fueled by Ramen, but with "Feel It All" the band shows it still has plenty of exciting ambitions and new terrain to explore. With sparse but dramatic bass-rattling production, and a nice contrast from Keegan Calmes' smooth, subdued vocals, Vinyl Theatre has created its most radio-friendly song since breakout "Breaking Up My Bones." Vinyl Theatre performs at the Rave April 6.

6. Wavie Gang's HD, "District 13": Wavie Gang is your classic American dream story, made in Milwaukee and set to a trap beat. Hip-hop legend Wyclef Jean judged the Remy Producers Series competition in Milwaukee, and was so floored by local producer Wavie Boi B that he hired him as his touring music director and worked with him on last year's "Carnival III" album. Since then, Jean's toured and collaborated with several of B's relatives and longtime friends in the Wavie Gang collective.

The collective's HD draw inspiration from Wavie Boi D and H1DaHook's tough upbringing in the Triangle North neighborhood on "District 13." And on the thumping, uplifting "Project Baby" and "Big Bank Hank," the album becomes a testament to talent and hard work overcoming adversity. No wonder Jean is such a big fan of these guys.

"Must-Hear Milwaukee Music" appears the first of every month in the Journal Sentinel and at jsonline.com/music. If you're a local musician with a new song, EP or album, email your music to Piet Levy at plevy@journalsentinel.com to be considered for the feature.